There are two accredited training programs in Atlanta for ultrasound technicians.
Job opportunities for ultrasound technicians are expected to grow, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As the U.S. populations ages, the demand for ultrasound technicians will only increase.
Most ultrasound technicians enroll in diagnostic medical sonography programs to learn the trade before entering the workforce, though some students who are working toward bachelor's degrees may add an ultrasound technician certificate program to their coursework. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs has accredited more than 150 training programs. There are six accredited programs in Georgia and two in Atlanta.
Job Description
Ultrasound technicians are expected to explain procedures to patients, assess the patient's medical history and select the appropriate equipment to complete the scan. Ultrasound technicians also must interpret the images. Some technicians have specialties, such as obstetric or gynecological (OB/GYN) sonography. Others may specialize in performing ultrasounds on the abdomen, the breast or even the brain.
Grady Health System
Students enrolled in the School of Imaging Technologies' Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program must have at least a 2.5 grade-point average from high school or a passing score on the General Education Development (GED) test. Students also must score at least 850 on the SAT I or an 18 on the ACT. Transfer students are not admitted.
The full-time, day programs lasts 12 months and only 10 students are accepted annually. Graduates are prepared for careers in abdominal and OB/GYN sonography, and are eligible to take certification tests through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
Grady Health System
Schools of Radiation and Imaging Technologies
80 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, SE
P. O. Box 26095
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-616-3610
Gradyhealthsystem.org/imaging/index.asp
Sanford-Brown College-Atlanta
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will prepare students to perform abdominal and OB/GYN images. The program also introduces students to vascular ultrasound. Students will attend classes, work in an imaging laboratory and participate in off-campus clinical courses.
Applicants be a high school graduate or have an equivalent diploma. There is an entrance exam for admission into the program, and the school generally admits only students with previous experience working in the healthcare industry.
Sanford Brown Institute-Atlanta
1140 Hammond Drive
Suite A-1150
Atlanta, GA 30328
888-740-1333
Sanfordbrown.edu/Atlanta
Tags: ultrasound technicians, also must, Diagnostic Medical, Grady Health, Grady Health System, Health System, high school
